Fix DNS Server Not Responding (No Internet on Laptop)

DNS stands for Domain Name Server is an end-to-end service that translates web addresses IP addresses and vice versa, so that you can access and browse the internet. The “DNS Server Not Responding” error usually occurs when your device cannot connect to a DNS server to translate domain names into IP addresses. Even if your Wi-Fi shows “Connected,” you might still see messages like “No Internet,” “DNS server isn’t responding,” or “DNS probe finished bad config.” Well, this issue can occur due to various reasons, including misconfigured router settings, DNS client service not started, incorrect DNS server address configurations, Antivirus interference and more. Whatever the reason, here is how to fix the DNS Server Not Responding error and get your Ethernet & WiFi working properly again.

What is a DNS Server?

A DNS server is like the Internet’s phonebook. When you type a web address into your browser, the DNS server translates that domain name (like www.google.com) into the website’s IP address (like 172.217.160.142).

How it Works:

• When you type a website address into your browser, your computer sends a query to a DNS server.
• The DNS server looks up the domain name in its database to find the corresponding IP address.
• If the server doesn’t have the address, it will query other DNS servers in a hierarchy to find it.
• This process continues until the authoritative DNS server, which is the final source of truth for a domain, provides the IP address.
• The DNS server then returns the IP address to your browser so it can load the website.
• The server may cache the result for a short time to quickly resolve future requests for the same domain.

If, for some reason, the DNS server fails to respond, this translation doesn’t occur and your PC or laptop cannot connect to the website.

What causes a DNS server not to respond?

It can be due to several reasons, including network connectivity issues, a malfunctioning router, or problems with the DNS server itself. Again, incorrect network settings on your device, interference from firewalls or antivirus software, outdated network drivers, or corrupted DNS cache.

• Network connectivity: Your device may have a poor or broken connection to the internet.
• Router issues: A malfunctioning router is a common culprit. Restarting it can often fix the problem.
• Incorrect settings: Your device’s network settings, router settings, or IP configuration may be incorrect.
• DNS server problems: The DNS server you are trying to use could be down, overloaded, or have incorrect DNS records for the website you’re trying to visit.
• Firewall or antivirus interference: Security software can sometimes be too strict and block necessary DNS communications.
• Outdated software: Your browser, operating system, or network adapter drivers may be outdated.

Restart Your Router and Laptop

If other devices (like your phone) also have no internet, the problem might be with your router or ISP rather than your laptop. However, sometimes A simple restart can clear temporary glitches and fix network issues.

• Turn off your router and modem.
• Wait for 30 seconds.
• Turn them back on and wait for the connection to stabilize.
• Restart your laptop and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

Power cycling the router and modem resets the connection to your ISP, while rebooting your computer refreshes its network stack.

Restart the DNS client service

If the DNS client service is not started or is not responding, you might face DNS problems on your PC. Let’s check and start the service first.

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Scroll down and locate DNS Client.
• Right-click it and choose Restart.
• If the service is not started, then right-click on the DNS client service, select properties
• Change the startup type to automatic and start the service next to the service status.
• Click apply and ok to save changes.

Flush DNS Cache and Reset Network Configuration

Your computer stores DNS records locally to speed up browsing. Corrupted or outdated entries can block access. Flushing the cache clears this issue, and it helps resolve the problem for most users.

• Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Run these commands one by one and press Enter after each.

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

This clears the DNS cache, renews your IP address, and resets network settings to default.

Once the commands are executed, reboot your Laptop or PC and check if the internet connection is restored.

Change DNS Server Manually

If your ISP’s DNS is slow or unreachable, switching to a reliable public DNS service, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), can improve speed and reliability.

Switching to public DNS often resolves DNS server response failures instantly.

• Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.
• Right-click your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection → select Properties.
• Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
• Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

Also, you can use Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

• Tick mark on Validate settings upon exit and click ok
• Now check if this helps resolve the problem.

Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter

Sometimes refreshing your network adapter resets your network connection at the hardware level and fixes internet connection problems.

• Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.
• Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → select Disable.
• Wait 10 seconds → right-click again → select Enable.
• Reconnect to your Wi-Fi and test the internet.

Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause DNS and connection failures.

• Press Windows + X → choose Device Manager.
• Expand Network adapters.
• Right-click your adapter → select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for drivers.

If the problem continues, reinstall the network driver:

• Right-click the adapter → select Uninstall device.
• Restart your laptop — Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus

Security programs can sometimes block DNS requests. Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall or third-party antivirus to test.

• Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall.
• Check if you can browse websites.
• If the problem is fixed, adjust your security settings to allow DNS queries.

Note: Always re-enable your antivirus after testing to stay protected.

Reset Your Router to Factory Settings

If nothing else works, your router configuration may be corrupt.

• Locate the Reset button on the back of your router.
• Hold it for 10–15 seconds using a pin or paperclip.
• Wait for it to reboot and reconnect your laptop.

Re-enter your Wi-Fi credentials and network settings afterward.

FAQs: DNS Server Not Responding

1. What does “DNS server not responding” mean?
It means your system can’t communicate with the DNS server to translate website names into IP addresses.

2. Can restarting DNS Client fix this issue?
Yes, restarting the DNS Client clears the resolver cache and helps Windows properly handle DNS lookups again.

3. Why does my DNS keep failing?
It can happen due to corrupted cache, misconfigured DNS settings, or problems with your ISP’s DNS servers.

4. Is it safe to change DNS to Google or Cloudflare?
Yes — both are secure, reliable, and often faster than default ISP DNS servers.

5. What if none of the fixes work?
If you’ve tried all solutions and still face issues, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) — the problem may be on their end.

Also read:

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• Can’t connect to this network error on Windows 10